Usanewsonline.com desk: On Saturday, May 20th, 2023, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined the Bronx Tourism Council, the Bronx Economic Development Corporation, Montefiore Hospital, JP Morgan and Chase and CO., the Bronx Community Foundation, and other community partners for the finale of Bronx Week 2023.

As of Monday, May 8th, the Office of the Bronx Borough President has been hosting Bronx Week 2023 events all over the northern borough. This year’s events included celebrations for veterans, older adults, banking institutions, labor unions, local businesses and so many others that contribute to the vitality of the Bronx.

On Saturday, May 20th, 2023, the 13 days of festivities culminated in an induction ceremony at Bronx Borough Hall and the unveiling of the inductees’ names along the Bronx Walk of Fame followed by a night of celebration at the Bronx Zoo for the illustrious Bronx Ball.

The Bronx Week 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees, Juliet Papa, God-Is Rivera, Sunny Hostin, SWV and Principal Luis Torres arrived at Borough Hall on Saturday with friends and family to enjoy a reception in the Rotunda before heading outside to 161st and the Grand Concourse for the unveiling of their names. Their names will remain in front of Borough Hall until next year and will then be placed along the Grand Concourse alongside honorees of years past like Remy Ma, Neil deGrasse Tyson, John Patrick Shanley and many more.

"Each year, we induct luminaries – our very own hometown heroes who represent the very best of our borough and this year`s honorees do not disappoint. These inductees have given so much back to the world of media, entertainment, and education for our borough and beyond. They leave behind a legacy that will now forever be cemented in Bronx history along the iconic Grand Concourse joining other past inductees such as Remy Ma, Eif Rivera, Luis Antonio Ramos, and so many others. I want to thank Sunny Hostin, Juliet Papa, God-Is Rivera, SWV, and Principal Luis Torres for their contributions to our borough and for proudly showcasing their Bronx pride,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.

That evening, the Bronx Borough President joined with elected officials and residents at the Bronx Zoo to honor the 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees for their success and contributions to the Bronx. The Borough President also presented Cold Crush Brothers and MC Sha-Rock with the Key to the Borough; a high honor granted to outstanding members of the Bronx community. Both recipients were key figures in the birth of Hip Hop and are known for their incredible storytelling abilities. Attendees and honorees alike enjoyed an evening of celebration with catered dinner from Havana Café, and performances by Grandmaster Flash.

“As we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of hip hop in the Bronx, we knew we had to celebrate and highlight hip hop icons and pioneers who have left an indelible mark on our borough. Sha-Rock and the Cold Crush Brothers have contributed so much to the genre of hip hop, and it is an honor to present them both with keys to our borough,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.

On Sunday, May 22nd, the Borough President closed out an incredible two-week-long celebration with the Bronx Week 2023 Food & Arts Festival and Concert! Local restaurants and business owners tabled at Joyce Kilmer Park while local Bronx organizations, schools and residents performed in the parade along the Grand Concourse. The day’s festivities ended with performances by Luisito Rosario, George Lamond, Sisqo, Frankie Negron, Luis La Fama and Anthem Caribbean Band inside Joyce Kilmer Park.